Rangertale, Interlude: The Trailway Inn
#6 of Rangertale
A slight break from the major plot. Rumelis and Mels, stopped at an inn, learn more about each other.
Rangertale, Interlude: The Trailway Inn
The trail from the mountain towns to the Samnic states was a long one, that took its toll on the two Rangers especially as winter began to set in. Despite the more temperate climes of the Samnic states, the mountains still brought snows to the lands near it. With such snow, it became necessary for Rumelis and Mels to stay in the inns and lodgings in towns, rather than the faster and cheaper method of outdoor camping.
One such inn was the Trailway, a modest inn nestled in a small lumber town. The inn itself was not busy at midday, when Rumelis and Mels arrived, so after securing lodgings they wandered outside, past the charcoal burner's woods, to hunt for a cheaper dinner then whatever fare the inn might serve. It was easy to come by; it seemed few hunters wandered around at this time of day for some reason or another. The meal was short and silent, like much of their travel, still uncomfortable from Mels' hostility towards Rumelis' status.
In the evening the two of them returned to the Trailway to find it packed with people, Lupine and Vulpine alike, as well as some of the assorted other races- an Equine stood near the corner, separate from the groups at the tables and the bar. A small stage, unnoticed when the inn was empty, had a performer on it. Rumelis and Mels sat down as well at the last two seats available. A Lupine nearby began quieting the people around him, with mixed results and reactions.
"Quiet, all you, the bard's coming onstage!"
"The bard's in town again?"
"Ah, the bard! I haven't seen him in ages!"
"Wonder if he's drunk again..."
Eventually the clamor died down, and silence ruled the inn. A cloaked figure with a small lute came onto the stage, to much applause. He began to sing The Red River, a classic folk song, prompting many to sing along. Rumelis sang as well, with a powerful baritone that surprised those around him. Even Mels was surprised by it, she who usually held her emotions in check. After the song died down and the chatter rose up, Mels began to talk to Rumelis with more comfort than usual. Perhaps it was the singing, perhaps the ale.
"I'd no idea you could sing well. You didn't seem to be the sort for music."
Rumelis was surprised by Mels' conversational attitude, something rare for her. "Music was a courtly pursuit. As a member of House Ironclaw I was as obligated to learn music as I was to learn statecraft. It was dreadfully boring to learn the theory, but they said I had talent."
"You do."
More silence. More surprise. Mels had never directly complimented him before, it was unnatural. Rumelis struggled to reply. "Uh.... Thanks. Do you know any music, Mels?"
"Not... not for many years. Once I played a fiddle, but that was another time. Before the Rangers, before.... Well, the past isn't important." There was some pain in those words.
More silence. The conversation cut short there, just as the bard staggered onstage again. Now he began to speak up, still commanding an audience despite a staggering stature and slurred voice.
"I'm a biiit drunk rrright now, ssssho I'm gon' to take a break. Mmkay folks?"
He then proceeded to fall off the stage, out cold. A server carried him off towards one of the smaller rooms, then returned. It seems that, at least for the night, the bard would sing no more. The people of the inn seemed unfazed by this development- perhaps because it had happened before. Rumelis and Mels retired to their room soon after. Mels started once again talking with Rumelis. It seemed drink and song helped melt the cold façade that she usually kept.
"I apologize for my actions towards you. You've proven to be at least a competent warrior, though one averse to killing. You can sing, and you've helped us and the Rangers more than once. You... you are not defined by your nobility, Rumelis."
Rumelis was shocked. To his knowledge, Mels had never truly referred to him by his actual name- once she stopped with blueblood, she simply did not refer to him by name. "Thank you, Mels. I don't think you fully know how relieved that makes me, and I'm sure it helps that we can focus on our mission now without hostility between us."
As the noise went down from the floor below, the two Rangers fell asleep, reassured that the next day they could focus on their mission without the distraction of each other. The next day they packed quickly, and left before the sun rose. It was still quite a length to the true Samnic states, one that would take a few more days of travel.
They had both left a silver coin for the bard, with their payment to the inn. Though the drunkard singer did not know what influence he had been, he would certainly live closer to a normal life with such coin.
With the Trailway inn long behind them, and the silent snow-dusted trees all around, Rumelis and Mels moved towards their next goal, this time with a shared resolve.
THE CAST SO FAR
Rumelis
Black-furred Ursan with blue, deep eyes. Has a dark brown marking running from his nose to about halfway down his back. He is a duelist, slightly muscular but not amazingly fit. A member of the noble House Ironclaw, he has decided to join the Arlen Rangers to fight for his country. Naïve but brave, he is slowly learning how to live as a Ranger. He's proven he has skill in statecraft, music, and combat, and Mels no longer shows hostility to him.
Mels
A white-furred Ursan with amber eyes. No extra markings. She is strong, and agile, and bears scars from some battles. She prefers the classic Ranger knife and bow in combat. She dislikes nobles, refers to them as bluebloods, and distrusts them for reasons not quite yet explained. Strong and individual, but after weeks of travel she has accepted that Rumelis is better than most nobles, a worthy partner in arms. She despises Tull and seems to have fought him before.
Tull
Ashen grey-furred Lupine, longtime foe of Mels. Heavily scarred and well armored and armed. Not much known of his personality, though he seeks the Blades of Eulas seemingly for personal power. A wily foe and fierce fighter, his grace is as unmatched as his ego. He loves the thrill of competition for power, and high stakes. He does not appear to let collateral damage get in his way, as he once set fire to a town to reach a Shard.
AUTHOR NOTES
Opinions? Suggestions? Typos? Tell me, please. I am by no means a professional writer, and even they make mistakes every now and again.
Character development happens, huzzah! I was going to call this a full chapter, but I decided against, as no real plot advances in the chapter. Hence, it is an interlude. These will probably crop up every once in a while, like every 5 chapters or so, to break up the Plot Onslaught.
TL;DR EDITION
Visiting a small in called the Trailway Inn, Mels learns of Rumelis' singing talent, and finally refers to him by name- and as a worthy Ranger.
Wondering why I call Tull a Lupine, Rumelis an Ursan, etc.? Read the note at the end of the 1st chapter, it explains my reasoning.